Kwangmyŏngsŏng-3 Unit 2 facts for kids

Kwangmyŏngsŏng-3 Unit 2 (also called Gwangmyeongseong-3 ho 2-hogi) was the first satellite North Korea successfully launched into space. It was an Earth observation satellite, meaning it looked at our planet from above. It launched on December 12, 2012, at 00:49 UTC. This satellite was sent up because an earlier one, Kwangmyŏngsŏng-3, didn't make it into orbit.

The United Nations (UN) had concerns about the satellite launch. They saw it as going against rules about North Korea's rocket tests, because the technology used for launching satellites can be similar to that used for other types of rockets.

North Korea stated the satellite would help them understand crop growth and collect weather information. They also claimed it would check the country's forests and natural resources. The satellite was said to weigh about 100 kilograms (220 pounds) and was planned to work for about two years.

This launch happened around the time North Korea was remembering the first anniversary of their former leader, Kim Jong-il. It also took place just before South Korea launched its own satellite and held a presidential election. With this successful launch, North Korea became the tenth country able to put satellites into orbit using its own rockets.

North Korea announced the launch was a success. The South Korean military and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) also reported that something had reached orbit. North Korea had previously said their Kwangmyŏngsŏng-1 and Kwangmyŏngsŏng-2 launches were successful, but other sources believed those satellites did not reach orbit.

A few days after the launch, some experts from Western countries said that while the satellite did get into orbit, it seemed to be tumbling. This meant it was likely out of control.

Images for kids

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  Satellite ground track of Kwangmyŏngsŏng-3 Unit 2, December 14, 2012

See also

In Spanish: Kwangmyŏngsŏng-3 Unidad 2 para niños